Aielli & Benevento

A charming 5-star resort in the verdant hills of Franciacorta a few minutes’ drive from Lake Iseo, L’Albereta Relais & Chateaux is truly off the beaten track. The proprietor has a theory about houses, that each should have a pensatoio at the top—a place surrounded by windows where a person can pause, contemplate nature, and refresh. So L’Albereta between Brescia and Bergamo, has the Cabriolet Suite.  Atop a tower facing Lake Iseo, you are in the clutches of Northern Italian luxury—sitting on satin, damask; surrounded by vineyards; fed by the great Milanese chef Gualtiero Marchesi. Did we forget to mention the Michelin rated restaurant?  

The Henri Chenot Spa  has 1500sqm dedicated to the well-being of body and mind. From windsurfing or boat rides on the breathtaking Lago Iseo, weaving down the country lanes on a bicycle to explore the neighbouring villages, taking a tour of a vineyard on horseback, or hiking in the surrounding hills.  L’Albereta accommodation 57 rooms including 19 suites & junior suite. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite television, DVD (on request).

Getting to: L’Albereta: Fly to Bergamo or to Verona followed by a 45mins drive.  Excursions with a tour guide can be arranged to Brescia, Lake Garda, Verona, Bergamo, Milan. Boat trips & hiking trips available.

The winter is perfect time to enjoy a long weekend in one of Italy’s unforgettable cities: Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice. Aielli & Benevento offers a private, custom touring experience for couples who wish to experience the culture, food and cuisine of “Bella Italia”without having to fight the tourist hordes.  With one phone call, arrange a well-deserved break and let Aielli & Benevento handle all the details.

When:

Any four days in December, January, February and March.

Where and What?

A relaxing, weekend in one of Italy’s sophisticated urban environs. Your choice of Rome, Milan, Florence or Venice.  Your custom trip will include: private museum tours, guided walks, gourmet dinners and wine tastings.

How Much?

Price per couple includes Michelin class dining, private guides, private transportation and five star suite accommodations. From 3,000 euros per person, based on double occupancy.

More information: Email: info@aielli-benevento.it  | Call: +1. 212.695.1511

All fares are subject to change without notice, are non-transferable, and subject to cancellation and change fees Aielli & Benevento designs private trip experiences for serious travelers seeking ultra- luxury touring in Italy. We offer our clients two touring options: 1. Ambassador-Style Touring (semi-escorted) and; 2. Private Concierge Class(escorted).

> Learn more at: www.aielli-benevento.it

Like New York, Milan is a major urban center, arguably Italy’s most important commercial Mecca…where industry, finance and fashion all intersect.  It is no surprise that this very business focused city would sport some outstanding hotels.  For reasons of outstanding service, market pricing and center city locations, here are our four top picks as ‘magnificent in Milano’…

Park Milano Hyatt Address: Via Tommaso Grossi 1.

Best location…bar none. Set in a stately 1870s bank, this hotel fuses Italian elegance with a Zen atmosphere. The 117 luxe guest rooms have marble floors and walls, high ceilings, and minimalist lines accentuated by rich materials, state-of-the-art TVs, and Wi-Fi Web access. Dining at The Park restaurant is Michelin class level: The menu is split into three sections: regional, national, and fusion. The hotel has a spa where guests can enjoy a fitness center. The front door of the hotel is less than 100 metres to the Galleria.

Principe de Savoia Address: Piazza della Repubblica 17.

Dominating the Piazza della Repubblica the Hotel Principe di Savoia is a luxury five-star hotel that has been the natural home for international travelers and cosmopolitan society since the 1920’s. Its imposing neoclassical facade hides one of the world’s most luxuriously appointed hotels. Easily accessed from all parts of the city and close to Milan’s many attractions and elegant shopping districts, the Hotel Principe de Savoia is within 50 minutes of Milan’s main airport, Malpensa. The Hotel has a spa and fitness center.

Bulgari Hotel Address: Via Privata Fratelli Gabba 7/b.

The Bulgari is an unmatched luxury venture by Ritz Carlton and the famed Roman jeweler. The hotel itself is a combination of contemporary design and avant-guard details and situated in Milan’s most stylish area- Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, the Scala theatre and the Academy of Brera. There is a 4,000 sqm private garden, next to the Botanical Gardens. The rooms have plasma TVs, WiFI and wall to wall marble bathrooms. A world class Espa is on the premises.

Four Seasons Address: Via Gesù, 6/8.

A dramatically reborn 15th-century convent with a mere 118 rooms and suites, the intimate Four Seasons is steps from Milan’s couture houses and financial district on the exclusive Via Gesù between Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga. Four Seasons Junior Suites offer ample space for work, leisure or entertaining and no two are alike. Located throughout the Hotel, they overlook the Hotel courtyard or Via Gesù.

Milan is full of wonderful and exciting places to eat out, not surprising for a city known for its ‘Last Supper’.

The many stylish locations throughout the city and wide variety of superb, mouth-watering menus, often with an emphasis on fish, make Milan dining exceptional; whether you are looking for a romantic meal for two or trendy, lively Milan dining, the only problem is deciding where to go as there are so many restaurants in Milan to choose from!

Here are some A&B favorites…

> Ristorante Cracco (aka Cracco –Peck)
Carlo Cracco was one of the first Italian chef to earn three Michelin stars, and deservedly so.Ristorante Cracco is a lesson in restrained Milanese chic, and innovative cuisine that also manages to more than satisfy hard to please Italian traditionalists.   It is no surprise that this year Ristorante Cracco has climbed an impressive 21 places up San Pellegrino’s Top 50 Restaurants of the World to # 22.  Via Victor Hugo 4, Tel # 39 02 87 67 74 .

> Rinomata Gelateria (great gelato)
A hundred-year-old gelateria with tall, antique cupboards stacked with cornets of every shoe and size. Choose from 40 flavors and seven granite and watch the world go by from the little bridge over the canals. Via Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 1; Tel # 02 58 11 38 77;  Hours: Daily 2pm-1am(summer).

> Entoteca Ronchi (wine shop)
More than 1,100 wines – from the 17th century to the latest vintage – in Milan’s most famous cellar. Signora Ronchi also organizes tasting sessions.   Via San Vincenzo, 12; Tel # 02 89 40 26 27; Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-1pm, 3-7.30pm.

> Trussardi (for light meals)
A favorite haunt of the local business community, to the right of La Scala. Huge bay windows, a large rectangular bar with high stools, a black / white interior. Via Filodrammatici 5, Milan; Tel # 02 8068 8201; Hours: Mon-Sat noon-2.30pm

> Obika (the original mozzarella bar)
A very new take on an Italian delicacy…this is a mozzarella bar!  A tribute to Mozzarella cheese, especially the best quality of Mozzarella Campana di Bufala.  Now with outlets in the USA.  Via Mercato, 28, Milan; Tel # 02 8645 0568

> Savini (Famous but tourist filled)
One of the city’s most famous restaurants. Established in 1867, it has a sumptuous red and gold décor, with paneling and heavy velvet. Here you’ll eat traditional Milanese cuisine in the grand style.  Originally the Birreria Stocker, Virgilio Savini transformed it a couple of years later into the most elegant establishment in the city. It is a temple of gastronomic hospitality in Milan, and the greatest minds, such as Puccini, Verdi, and Toscanini have all been at its tables, along with Callas, Chaplin, Hemingway, and Sinatra.  Via Galleria V. Emanuelle II, Tel # 02 7200 3433.
Hours: Mon-Sat 12.00-2.30pm, 7.30-10.30pm

Romantic Escapes is a set of unique touring experience created for busy couples seeking an unforgettable getaway. Designed by Aielli & Benevento, these touring experiences are tailored 100% to the traveler so there are no fixed departure dates. Clients also choose among a variety of luxury hotel properties.  We handle every trip detail… A week before departure, the client will receive a detailed, daily travel schedule outlining all trip contacts /reservations/ arrangements, ensuring a worry-free, hassle-free travel experience.

Our favorite trips:

Milano Magic

This special program is designed for the couple wishing to experience the essence of Italian design sophistication in Italy’s New York City equivalent: Milan.

Roman Holiday

Five effortless, luxury filled days of “Rest & Relaxation” in Rome. Enjoy private touring through the Vatican museums, ancient Roman ruins and hidden walkways of the Eternal City.

Tuscan Escape

Explore the very best of the Renaissance city of Florence (or Firenze if you are practicing your Italian). Picture a suite overlooking the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio. Spectacular sunsets, outstanding shopping, and fabulous dining.

Venetian Interlude

The romantic isle of Venice awaits the Aielli & Benevento client seeking the perfect, luxury filled long weekend. With an experienced guide explore Venice’s hidden alleys, its Byzantine Doge Palace, and its majestic palazzos.

************Clients can always select their date of departure.  Luxury accommodations subject to availability. Charges in high season will be higher. Call 212.595.4171 and ask to speak with an Aielli & Benevento travel specialist for a complete list of services/charges.

Private Guides/ Optional Services… customized IPODs, private photographer, personal masseuse.
 Unlike recommendations from hotel concierges (whom invariably pick their friends based on a “business relationship”), we choose guides solely on the basis of reputation, years of experience and proven excellence.     > Email us for touring details at: info@aiellli-benevento.it.

Little needs to be said to describe the many pleasures offered by Piedmont’s gastronomic traditions.  All that is required is a palate tuned to appreciate the many flavors of Italian cuisine and the incomparable wines that go with it.

> Cracco-Peck

Via Victor Hugo 4 – I – 20123 Milan;  Chef: Carlo Cracco; Meal prices: menu € 74/110; Cuisine: creative / modern

A legendary name in Milanese gastronomy and a famous chef: a combination that guarantees success for a new restaurant. Classical elegance, perfect service, and the best cooking.  Specialities: Marinated egg yolk with fluffy Parmesan fondue. Saffron risotto with grilled bone marrow. Milanese-style breaded veal with baked tomato and candied celery.2 Michelin stars.

> Sadler

Via Ascanio Sforza 77 ; Chef: Claudio Sadler;  Meal prices: menu € 130/150;  Cuisine: creative

The local takes in renewed in forniture. The style is refined and modern. The walls are in Zebrano wood and there are works by popular artists form Milan and Naples.  Specialities: Lobster carpaccio, mayonnaise of white tomatoes and heart of chicory salad, Pan fried crustaceans, broccoli cream,  croquettes of lemon, crispy potatoes and dried tomatoes. 2 Michelin stars.

> Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia

Via Montecuccoli 6;  Chef: Aimo and Nadia Moroni;  Meal prices: menu € 90/130; Cuisine: creative Italian

A cool and refined atmosphere, a classical style for this location, where ingredients of the finest quality, great selection of wines and contemporary art works afford the guest a unique dining experience after over four decades. Specialities: The scampi: raw with couscous flavored with herbs and octopus – marinated with red berries – crispy in Tuscan pine-nuts crust; Spaghetti made with Senatore Cappelli durum wheat with Spring onion and hot pepper sauce; Veal tenderloin “Tschirren” style with raw ham, ginger juice and pine-nut from Pisa;  Hot pie of extra bitter chocolate from Venezuela with smooth heart of extra virgin Nocellara olive oil and chocolate. 2 Michelin Stars.

> Trussardi Alla Scala

Piazza della Scala, 5 ; Chef: Andrea Berton; Meal prices: menu € 110/130;  Cuisine: creative

Named by the 2007 Guide to Italy’s Restaurants published by L’Espresso as the best new restaurant of the year, the Trussardi alla Scala Restaurant, on the first floor of the Palazzo Trussardi alla Scala, is a new landmark for gourmet cuisine in Milan. After six months of study and renovation of the interior decoration, the menu and in general the whole atmosphere, this restaurant of extremely high quality opened in June.
Directed by the Chef Andrea Berton, whose curriculum includes names such as Alain Ducasse, Gualtiero Marchesi and the Enoteca Pinchiorri, the Trussardi alla Scala Restaurant looks on to the square of the same name, thanks to its large windows: an extraordinary position for an atmosphere that is characterised by the “Milanese red” of the plaster walls, the parquet flooring, the comfortable leather armchairs and the impeccable white table settings. Specialities: Risotto Milanese style with calf sweetbreads; Roast suckling pig with fried potato, avocado and lime. 1 Michelin star.

One of Milan’s most exclusive…a seven star hotel in the famous Galleria.

The master bedroom of the Toscanini suite features an alfresco ceiling and an adjoining split-level lounge and an en suite marble bathroom with a bath and an overhead chromo therapeutic shower.

The upper level relax area features an exercise bicycle and a work out space. There are three LCD TVs, one 32_, one 42_ and one 20_. The bedroom is provided with a laptop computer with wireless connection attached to a fax as well as a color printer, cordless telephones with two lines, individual climate control, mini bar and large in room safe. This suite includes personalized butler service.

Milan’s grand dame, the Hotel Principe di Savoia, has restyled its world famous Presidential Suite with its typical prestige and unequalled class. The unrivalled suite includes among its guests the most famous international names, from Royals to stars of the movie and music industry: Queen Elizabeth II of England, George Clooney, Lenny Kravitz and Woody Allen, to name a few. Located on the hotel’s top floor, thepresidential suite is a combination of extremely elegant classically designed rooms and the latest technology. With views of the picturesque terrace and the Milanese skyline, there is also an internal window overlooking the Pompeian style private swimming-pool that gives guests a taste of the atmosphere of the Ancient Roman thermal baths. A water massage, sauna and Turkish bath are the finishing striking elements of this pearl of Italian hôtellerie.

According to Concierge.ciom, one of the world’s sexiest bars can be found in fashion capital Milano. Here’s what  James Heidenry has to say about Giardino d’Inverno…( Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan).

“The people: Female models with impossibly long legs, male models with impossibly large biceps, local model-izers hoping the impossible comes true

Sex appeal: Every year in September, Milan gets invaded. That’s when the city’s fashion shows suck in a global crunch of gorgeous models and the fabulously fierce who run the whole glitzy shebang. Where these trendsetters stay, dine, and party is just as important as what shows they attend, and the Principe di Savoia is the place to see and be seen. Within the 1920s neoclassical hotel is the Giardino d’Inverno, a remarkable space where 16th-century art and a spectacular glass ceiling provide a fitting backdrop for the industry’s top-shelf DNA. Here, models in low-cut Versace provide the sexy; media peeps provide the prosecco; and the hangers-on provide the outrageous fun. No need to be shy—this is Italy, after all.

Pickup line: “Is it true that most people are too intimidated to approach drop-dead gorgeous models?”

Contact: 
Giardino d’Inverno Tel: 39 02 62301

In Italy, the Christmas celebrations really get started around 8 December, which is the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception.  Many towns and cities will have displays of Christmas lights and most will have a presepe, or Christmas nativity scene, which will be in the main square or outside the main church or cathedral.  Naples is the place to see the most amazing variety of presepi and perhaps purchase some traditional handmade figurines to take home as souvenirs.  There are many towns that offer a presepi viventi, or living nativity, where actors perform the roles of the holy family.  It is also common for towns to hold their own Christmas markets, such as the Noel Noel family Christmas fair in Florence, running from late November until early December.  On Christmas Eve, warm yourself by the traditional bonfire that is held in the main square of many towns and then join the locals in the celebration of midnight mass.  Join in the Christmas Eve Vigil at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.  In Abbadia di San Salvatore, you can watch a procession of Christmas torches on Christmas Eve, while in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the torches are carried by skiers and it is amazing to see hundreds of them descend the mountain.  Larger cities, such as Milan, Florence and Rimini, put on a series of concerts, Operas and other live performances over the Christmas and New Year period.